DEPRESSION: HOW REGULAR EXERCISE MAY WORK

Depression: How regular exercise may work

Terry Weaver

Depression: How regular exercise may work

Depression affects over 340 million people across the globe and here in the United States it is estimated that about 16% percent of the population will suffer from a major depressive disorder (MDD) during the course of their lives, with women being almost twice as likely than their male counterparts to develop a disorder. With all the emphasis with regards to health care on obesity related illnesses it is often overlooked that depression is on track to become the second largest contributor to the global burden of disease by the year 2020. We know that physical inactivity increases the likelihood and duration of depression and that physical activity, whether it be work related, exercise or recreation significantly reduces the risk of developing a depressive disorder. This holds true across the board for people of all races and socio-ecomomic levels, but for those adverse to conventional therapeutic interventions, the question remains, can exercise be as effective as conventional therapy and medication in relieving depression(Artal, 1998)?

Most of us feel low sometimes, usually due to a stressing or traumatic event in our lives. But ongoing depression, a period of suffering known as major depression, is another matter. Depression is the most common psychological problem in the United States. Seventeen percent of Americans will suffer from a major depressive episode in their lifetime (Davidson, 1998). With the ever-increasing cost of health care in the United States alternative and preventative treatment in dealing with psychological conditions should by explored and exploited. Exercise, as a treatment appears to have therapeutic value in reducing depression. Aerobic exercise if performed at sufficient duration and intensity has corelational links to positive psychological effects(Bernstein, 1994).

Although exercise has been linked to positive effects in psychological states, aerobic exercise is much more effective than anaerobic activity. Aerobic activity is defines as physical activity that increases pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The body uses and transports oxygen to the working muscles in order to maintain activity. Anaerobic activity is physical activity that is either of short duration or of insufficient intensity to require transporting of oxygen to the working muscles (Weinburg, 1995). Acute effects of exercise are experienced even after only a single bout of exercise. Elevation in mood after one exercise session have been recorded anywhere in the range of 45 minutes to several ...